Country football: Survey reveals how leagues feel about season 2021

The final siren has sounded on season 2021 for country football, and leagues have revealed whether they thought the disrupted format was worth it.

Country football leagues have weighed in on the season that was – or wasn’t.

The boots are back in the cupboard, the goalposts are down and the change rooms are locked for another year — time has officially been called on one of the strangest seasons of country football ever.

None of the Victorian leagues made it to finals despite their best efforts, as strict coronavirus restrictions continue to bleed into October.

But what did leagues think of the stop-start format of this year?

A survey conducted by The Weekly Times asked 12 regional Victorian leagues’ governing bodies whether they thought the season was worthwhile.

The results showed a 50-50 split in views on whether the season had been financially viable. One league who disagreed said: “a number of league partners were not in a position to commit financially after 2020.” However another respondent noted their “gate takings and membership were up and more people came to watch” when they could.

Just two of those surveyed felt that the season wasn’t logistically manageable, with one comment saying “a nil result and no recognition of minor premiers was disappointing. The leagues asked a lot of the clubs with draw (and) ground changes; it was a lot of effort from members.” The clear majority however said that any amount of sport played was important for both social connection in the community and the mental health of players.

The Geelong and District Football League were disappointed not to make it to finals. Picture: Mark Wilson

All leagues that took part in the survey agreed that having the season, however disrupted, was still the better option than not having any games as was the case last season.

“It gave some opportunity for players to get back to playing both football and netball. It was good for communities to get together even if it was short. A lot of remote communities needed to have the social contact,” one respondent said.

In western Victoria, Mininera and District president John Box said from a financial point of view, no functions or crowds was the biggest issue.

”The main income is crowds, which we could not have at the end of lockdown. Players still needed to be paid but a lot of players did take a ‘pay cut’,” he said.

“Playing without crowds was difficult with no atmosphere at the grounds whatsoever. The most disappointing part was not having finals.”

He also said the lack of communication the leagues received was a major hurdle in a successful football year, with no notice meaning nothing could be planned.

“I do not think we could do a season like this again. I do not think the volunteers or players would be there.

“Sport is a very important part of our country life in the Mininera and District Football League. People have got to realise that some of our communities only have a football ground and a few houses, and this is where farmers and their families meet on a Tuesday and Thursday night as well as Saturdays to socialise and to communicate their issues and achievements,” Mr Box said.

Whorouly Cafe and General Store owner Jennifer Garrett last year told The Weekly Times how a year without football was impacting business. And this year wasn’t much different.

“It was pretty much a non-event again,” she said.

“We found it very similar to last year but the stop-start nature was very confusing.”

Jennifer Garrett and Graham Wood own the Whorouly General Store.

Mrs Garrett said that even when games were allowed the limits on spectators had a major affect on the number of people coming through the doors. “It just wasn’t the same, and when we did have people they had to scan in. And then it just dwindled out at the end,” she said.